How is Madrid, Spain, punishing those who drive high-emission vehicles?

Answer: smart parking meters

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Starting July 1, drivers in Madrid began paying higher parking fees if they drive high-emission vehicles.

These meters prompt users for their license plate numbers and check them against a national database – the rate depends on the car’s age and model. Hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles can receive a 20 percent discount, while some vehicles can pay a surcharge of up to 20 percent.

Mayor Ana Botella bragged that the system is the first of its kind in the world.

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